Smithsonian Institution awards $6.98M contract for database services to XCLIPSE INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,978,697 ($7.0M)

Contractor: Xclipse Inc.

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2023-08-09

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,087 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DATABASE SERVICES / RFQ-2023-OCIO-OSM-001

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $7.0 million to XCLIPSE INC. for work described as: DATABASE SERVICES / RFQ-2023-OCIO-OSM-001 Key points: 1. Contract Value: $6.98 million over approximately 3 years. 2. Competition: Full and open competition was utilized. 3. Risk: Low risk identified due to fixed-price contract type. 4. Sector: Information Technology (Custom Computer Programming Services).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.98 million for database services appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar custom computer programming services contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to submit proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it promotes market efficiency and potentially lower prices.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and enhancement of critical database services for the Smithsonian Institution. Supports the institution's mission by providing necessary IT infrastructure. Potential for innovation and improved service delivery through competitive vendor selection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Firm fixed price contract type
Clear delivery order structure

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Custom Computer Programming Services sector, which is a significant part of the IT industry. Spending in this area is driven by the need for specialized software development and IT support across government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this specific award, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to compete or if this contract was specifically structured for larger entities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, suggesting that oversight mechanisms are likely in place. The Smithsonian Institution's procurement office would be responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical database services.
Need for ongoing performance monitoring to ensure quality and timeliness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $7.0 million to XCLIPSE INC.. DATABASE SERVICES / RFQ-2023-OCIO-OSM-001

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is XCLIPSE INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-09. End: 2026-07-31.

What specific database services are being procured, and how do they align with the Smithsonian's strategic IT goals?

The contract is for 'Custom Computer Programming Services' (NAICS 541511), which encompasses a broad range of IT development and support. While the specific database services are not detailed, they likely relate to the management, maintenance, or enhancement of the Smithsonian's extensive data repositories, supporting its research, collections, and public outreach missions. Alignment with strategic goals would depend on the institution's current IT modernization plans and data management priorities.

What is the benchmarked cost per unit or per hour for similar custom computer programming services in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area?

Without specific details on the labor categories, skill levels, and hours involved, establishing a precise per-unit cost benchmark is challenging. However, for custom computer programming services in the D.C. area, hourly rates can range significantly, typically from $100 to $250+ per hour depending on specialization and experience. The total contract value of $6.98 million over approximately 3 years suggests an average annual spend of around $2.33 million, which would need to be broken down into labor hours and rates for a true benchmark.

How effectively does the firm fixed price (FFP) contract type mitigate cost overrun risks for this database services contract?

The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in mitigating cost overrun risks for the government, as the contractor assumes the majority of the financial risk. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maintain profitability. For database services, where scope can sometimes be fluid, the FFP structure requires a well-defined statement of work to prevent scope creep that could lead to disputes or change orders, though it provides a strong baseline for cost control.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1383 NORTHWYCK CT, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,978,697

Exercised Options: $6,978,697

Current Obligation: $6,978,697

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0264W

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline